Mason bolstered by 2 fill-in starts for Georgia

ATLANTA (AP) — This was supposed to be the time when Georgia fans began to wonder about the Bulldogs' future without four-year starting quarterback Aaron Murray.

One of the positives from No. 23 Georgia's mostly disappointing season is that Hutson Mason already has provided evidence the offense will be in good hands.

Georgia's offense struggled in the red zone in the 24-19 loss to Nebraska in Wednesday's Gator Bowl, but Mason wasn't to blame. Making his second start since Murray's season ended with a knee injury, Mason again showed why he'll be heavily favored to open next season as the starter.

Mason passed for 320 yards with one touchdown and one interception. More important to Georgia's future was the extra time he spent in bowl practice as the new team leader.